zappy Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Has anyone tried using Hebel blocks formed into rock backgrounds? They seem ideal, they are light easily shaped with woodworking tools. What type of paint could you use on them to change their plain white colour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anchar Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Hi Zappy, This is one I made about 18 months ago using Spray Decor (basically expanding foam that is safe for aquariums). Haven't tried the Hebel though. My Webpage merjo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyme Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 I havent tryed Hebel, but I suspect being airated cement it will raise the Ph substantially? 2 part epoxy paint should be OK on an appropriate substrate. Craig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anchar Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 Hi Zappy, Craig is correct on both accounts. The cement content will raise the pH and hardness, but if the aquarium will house fish requiring those parameters, it won't matter. This type of construction is clearly unsuitable for a soft water aquascape. You need to fill, flush and empty the tank several times to remove excess residue before setting it up for your fish. I have coated styrofoam backgrounds with cement, sprinkled sand on the surface and used dye for colour. This model remained unsealed. Resin or fibreglass will seal the structure. If you are worried about the concrete secretions, you can throw sand into the resin before it dries to maintain the integrity of a "stone" appearance. Keep a check on the parameters until they stabilise. If you wish to construct something for a soft water environment, then use something like Spray Decor, which has been manufactured especially for that purpose. You can create any shape you want...with patience... My Webpage HTH merjo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveraddicted Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 i spose this is a similar topic... was just thinking today that it would b cool if i could make my own rocks for my tank, that way i can get the exact shape i would like and best functionality i can out of them. is this possible, and if so is it economical and effective? and how do you do it? has anyone had any experience with it? dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zappy Posted January 29, 2004 Author Share Posted January 29, 2004 Thanks guys for your replies. Where can I get this spray decor? (cost?) The dye you use for the cement is this the powder stuff in Bunnings next to all the cement things. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishie4me Posted September 6, 2004 Share Posted September 6, 2004 hi guys, wondering if i can get some help, have made the shape of the background out of foam and now i need some information on what cement can be used. any help would be much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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